Travelling to Türkiye for DBS Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
In brief
International DBS treatment should begin with medical review—not flight or hotel reservations.
Before travelling, the clinical team should assess the Parkinson’s diagnosis, medication response, general health and available imaging. The final treatment plan is confirmed after the required in-person examinations.
Step 1: Preliminary record review
Patients may be asked to send:
Neurology reports
Medication list
Brain MRI images
Videos from “on” and “off” periods
Medical and surgical history
Cognitive or psychiatric reports
This review identifies missing tests and whether a complete DBS assessment is reasonable.
Step 2: In-person DBS assessment
The evaluation may include:
Movement-disorders examination
Levodopa challenge
Neuropsychological testing
Brain MRI or CT
Blood tests
Anaesthesia review
Multidisciplinary discussion
Step 3: Surgical planning
If DBS is recommended, the team determines:
The brain target
Awake or asleep technique
Device type
One-stage or staged surgery
Expected hospital stay
Initial programming plan
Step 4: Travel preparation
Patients should carry:
Parkinson’s medications in original packaging
Extra medication for unexpected delays
Medical reports and imaging
Travel insurance details
Contact information for the DBS team
A list of allergies and other medical conditions
Visa requirements depend on nationality and should be checked through Türkiye’s official foreign-affairs or e-Visa resources.
Step 5: Planning follow-up
DBS is not a one-time procedure. Programming and medication adjustment continue after surgery.
Before returning home, patients should know:
Who will perform programming
When wound checks are scheduled
How urgent concerns will be managed
Whether the device can be supported in their home country
How medical records will be transferred
Conclusion
Safe international DBS care requires coordination before, during and after travel. The quality of postoperative programming is as important as the operation itself.
Dr Kaan Tuğberk ÖzdemirNeurosurgeon – İzmir, Türkiye
Travel and treatment plans must be individualised after medical evaluation.
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